Audi Q5 vs Mercedes-Benz GLE

Price and cost per week

Safety Rundown

ANCAP's published record does not give the Mercedes-Benz GLE a rating. With no pair of ratings to compare, the active-safety features in the spec table above are the fairer comparison.

Recalls on our record

A recall covers the builds its notice lists, not every car of a model. Check your VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.

Feature Showdown

The Audi Q5 features a 10.1-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the Mercedes-Benz GLE gets a 12.3-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The Audi Q5 stands out with Bang & Olufsen audio — features our data doesn't list for the Mercedes-Benz GLE. The Mercedes-Benz GLE counters with head-up display, wireless charging, panoramic roof, heated front seats, ventilated seats and Burmester audio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

Interior trim differs: the Audi Q5 gets leather upholstery while the Mercedes-Benz GLE offers nappa leather. Climate control is 3-zone in the Audi Q5 and 2-zone in the Mercedes-Benz GLE.

Drivetrain

The Audi Q5 uses a 4-cylinder inline petrol with turbocharging and MHEV plus technology producing 150kW and 340Nm of torque, sent through a 7-speed s tronic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 8.6 seconds.

The Mercedes-Benz GLE responds with a Petrol making 320kW and 560Nm, paired to a automatic driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 5.3 seconds.

The Mercedes-Benz GLE has the clear power advantage at 320kW vs 150kW. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the Mercedes-Benz GLE is 3.3s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

Space & Comfort

The Audi Q5 measures 4,717mm long on a 2,820mm wheelbase, 207mm shorter than the Mercedes-Benz GLE at 4,924mm (2,995mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mercedes-Benz GLE generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 520L in the Audi Q5 and 630L in the Mercedes-Benz GLE, giving the Mercedes-Benz GLE a 110L advantage. The Mercedes-Benz GLE seats 7 vs 5.

For towing, the Mercedes-Benz GLE leads with a 3,500kg braked capacity vs 2,000kg. That 1,500kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.

Neither U-turns in one sweep on a 7 m local street (both need a three-point turn); the Audi Q5's turning circle is 0.3 m tighter, 11.8 m against 12.1 m kerb to kerb. The street estimate is indicative, worked from the published turning circles.

Cost to own

At 15,000 km a year, fuel for the Audi Q5 costs about $1,625 a year (5.7 L/100km) and fuel for the Mercedes-Benz GLE about $2,879 a year (10.1 L/100km), at $1.90 a litre and 32c a kWh. That is $1,254 a year less for the Audi Q5.

Warranty: 5 years / Unlimited (Audi Q5) and 5 years / Unlimited (Mercedes-Benz GLE). Capped-price servicing: 5 years (Audi Q5), no data (Mercedes-Benz GLE).

Where each one leads

The Audi Q5: the lower starting price ($80,900 against $199,900) and lower fuel or energy costs on our assumptions ($1,625 a year against $2,879).

The Mercedes-Benz GLE: more power (320kW against 150kW), the bigger boot with the seats up (630L against 520L) and the higher braked towing limit (3,500kg against 2,000kg).

The Verdict

Audi Q5 scores higher, 76 vs 65

The Audi Q5 scores 76 to the Mercedes-Benz GLE's 65 on the CarSorted Score, and leads 2 of the 6 spec rows that separate them, at the lower price. The biggest gaps: fuel economy (Audi Q5 ahead by 40 points), performance (Mercedes-Benz GLE ahead by 37 points), value (Audi Q5 ahead by 32 points). At 15,000 km a year, fuel for the Audi Q5 costs about $1,254 less (5.7 L/100km against 10.1 L/100km, at $1.90 a litre). Boot space with the seats up: 520L in the Audi Q5, 630L in the Mercedes-Benz GLE.

Common questions